Course Image Polarization and Democracy - SoSe 2024

Polarization and Democracy - SoSe 2024

In recent years, there is a growing discussion on political and social polarization. In this course, we will read and discuss different perspectives on the causes and consequences of polarization. Course contents include different understandings of polarization itself, the role of (social) media and political actors in the process of polarization, the consequences of polarization for the political system and for society, as well as critical perspectives that connect polarization to the fight against inequality. At the end of the course course, students can - distinguish different aspects of polarization - sketch potential causes of polarization - analyze and evaluate interventions for depolarization - critically discuss the consequences of polarization for democracy During the course, we will also practice to formulate and criticize scientific arguments in English by reading and discussing different types of texts.